Stat: Fashion’s inclusivity crisis as thinness returns to the runway

Global – The spring/summer 2025 fashion season saw minimal progress in size inclusivity, according to research by Vogue Business. This shift reflects the broader cultural swing back to glamorising thinness, accelerated by the rise of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and the shrinking silhouettes of celebrities and influencers.

Data from 208 shows across New York, London, Milan and Paris revealed a plateau in body diversity, with only 0.8% of looks being plus-size (US 14+), 4.3% mid-size (US 6–12) and a striking 94.9% at US 0–4. Comparing data from Vogue Business’ previous research, mid-size representation has slightly increased from 3.7%, driven by muscular men in mixed gender shows, while plus-size visibility has remained static.

Industry insiders, including Emma Davidson from Dazed, describe the season as ‘disheartening’, with many luxury brands reducing their use of diverse body types. London Fashion Week, typically the most progressive, saw Karoline Vitto standing out as the only designer featuring 100% mid- or plus-size looks.

With fashion’s commitment to size inclusivity faltering, the industry appears to be turning its back on broader body representation, reversing years of progress. The need for ardent commitment to an Inclusive Fashion Market has never been stronger.